Tersan Shipyard to build world’s first autonomous ferry

Fjord1 has signed a contract with Tersan Shipyard, to build the world’s first autonomous ferry connection. The four new zero-emission ferries will operate the connection Lavik-Oppedal from 1 September 2026.

The ferries will operate with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions that replace manual operations. Implementation of automation functions and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, will take place in 2027, while autonomous navigation will be implemented in 2028.

– It was very important for Fjord1 to win this development contract where the Norwegian Public Roads Administration saw a requirement to develop the green ferry industry one step further with requirements for an increased degree of autonomy and automation through the use of new technology. We have a good concept that we look forward to realising, says technology and project director at Fjord1, Nils Kristian Berge.